Tent Fumigation Preparation Checklist: Everything You Need to Do

Preparing for Tent Fumigation

Your fumigation crew will walk you through all preparation requirements before the job, but preparing in advance reduces stress and prevents last-minute scrambling. This checklist covers everything you need to handle before the tent goes up.

The active ingredient in most fumigations is Vikane (sulfuryl fluoride) — a gas that penetrates all areas of the structure, eliminating all drywood termite life stages. It dissipates completely by clearance and leaves no surface residue on furniture, dishes, bedding, or clothing.

Nylofume Bags: What Needs to Be Bagged

Your pest control company will provide Nylofume bags — specialty bags that Vikane cannot penetrate. Everything that's consumable and not in a factory-sealed hard container must be double-bagged in Nylofume bags or removed from the home.

Must be bagged or removed:

• All open food items — bread, produce, snacks, anything open or in a bag/box
• Open beverages
• All medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Vitamins and supplements
• Pet food and treats
• Tobacco products
• Spices and herbs (if open)

Does NOT need bagging:

• Factory-sealed canned goods with undamaged labels
• Unopened hard-sided containers (glass jars, metal cans) with intact manufacturer seals
• Wine and spirits in sealed bottles

Rule of thumb: if you can open it with your hands without a can opener, bag it.

Plants

Remove all houseplants from the interior. Vikane will kill plants.

Outdoor plants in the landscaping are not affected — Vikane does not penetrate soil at the concentrations used in residential fumigation and dissipates quickly at ground level.

Pets and Animals

All animals must vacate the structure. This is non-negotiable and is enforced by your fumigation crew before sealing the tent.

• Mammals of all sizes — dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Small animals in any cage or enclosure

Fish tanks: Vikane does not penetrate water at normal concentrations, so fish tanks can typically remain if the pump/aerator is turned off. Confirm this with your inspector — some companies recommend removal as a precaution.

Pet boarding at $50–$100 per night per animal should be arranged in advance. Most fumigations require 2–3 nights away from the home.

Utilities

Gas service: Your gas company will be contacted by the fumigation company and will shut off gas to the home before treatment begins. The gas company will restore service after the clearance inspection. You do not need to cancel your gas service — this is handled automatically as part of the fumigation process.

Electricity: Electrical service remains on. Fumigation crews need power for monitoring equipment.

Water: Water service remains on.

Medications

Remove all medications from the home OR seal them in Nylofume bags. Vikane does not penetrate hard-sided sealed pill bottles effectively, but the universally recommended practice is to remove medications entirely or Nylofume-bag them. Do not leave loose pills or open medication packages in the home.

What You Do NOT Need to Worry About

This is where most homeowners over-prepare:

• Furniture — leave it. Vikane leaves no surface residue.
• Electronics and appliances — leave them.
• Clothing and bedding — leave them.
• Dishes, pots, and cookware — leave them.
• Mattresses — leave them.
• Books and documents — leave them.

Vikane is a gas that dissipates. It does not deposit on surfaces or leave any detectable residue after clearance.

Day-Before Checklist

• [ ] Arrange hotel for 2–3 nights (get confirmation number)
• [ ] Arrange pet boarding
• [ ] Double-bag all food, medications, and consumables in Nylofume bags provided
• [ ] Remove all houseplants
• [ ] Collect important documents, valuables, and items you'll need during your stay
• [ ] Confirm gas shutoff is arranged with your fumigation company
• [ ] Remove or bag any medications you'll need access to during the fumigation period

Morning-of Checklist

• [ ] Ensure all pets are out of the home
• [ ] Leave all interior doors and cabinet doors open (allows gas circulation)
• [ ] Open attic access panels and crawlspace hatches
• [ ] Leave closet doors open
• [ ] Turn off any HVAC systems
• [ ] Hand keys to fumigation crew
• [ ] Confirm your hotel and return date with the fumigation coordinator

When You Return Home

Your inspector will notify you when the clearance test confirms safe Vikane levels. When you first re-enter:

• Open all windows and doors for the first 30 minutes for ventilation
• Inspect the home for any tent damage or issues to report
• Turn the HVAC back on
• Remove Nylofume bags from food items (the bags are safe to dispose of in regular trash)

There is no odor associated with Vikane — you won't smell anything when you return. Your home is safe to re-enter as soon as clearance is confirmed.

Related: About Tent Fumigation · Termite Treatment Cost